Every child deserves an excellent education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Tacoma Public Schools is committed to providing that high-quality education in every school so ALL students – regardless of background or neighborhood – can do just that.

Soon, you will have an important choice to make on Proposition 1: The Educational Programs & Operations replacement levy, and Proposition 2: The Technology Improvements & Upgrades replacement levy. The election is Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

If approved, Proposition 1 would fund 15% of the school district’s operations. Proposition 2 would fund technology access for all K-12 students. Both levies would replace expiring levies that impact every Tacoma Public Schools student in every neighborhood.

Props. 1 and 2 will directly impact our schools in the following ways:

Prop. 1 Educational Programs & Operations Replacement Levy

Teachers, Books and Basics

• Teachers, nurses, counselors, librarians, paraeducators and special needs staff, equaling about 500 staff members
  • For example, the state funds 46 of our paraeducators; the voter-approved levy funding adds another 36 paraeducators to serve our students. The state funds 54 school counselors; the voter-approved levy adds another 29 counselors to serve our students.
• Up-to-date textbooks and instructional materials, including math and reading

Health, Safety and Security

• Maintenance on plumbing, heating and ventilation systems for clean air and safe water
• Maintenance on aging roofs and for earthquake safety
• Improvements to school safety and security, fire alarm systems and 911 communications

Educational Programs for Every Child in Every Neighborhood

• Special needs programs and improved accessibility for students and staff with disabilities
• Preschool and after-school programs
• Programs for high-achieving students and college entrance exams for all students
• Arts, music, athletics, extracurricular activities, and career and technical education programs.
  • For example, the state provides no money for athletic programs. In a typical year, the voter-approved levy provides $4 million for athletics.

Prop. 2 Technology Improvements & Upgrades Replacement Levy

Access to Technology & Up-to-Date Learning Tools for Every K-12 Student

• Expanded technology access and laptops for every K-12 student and staff member to use at school and at home
• Staff training and software, and online learning tools for teachers and students

Safety, Security and Privacy Protection

• Increased computer safety, security and privacy protection for all students and staff

Keeping Students on Track

• Online systems for students, teachers and parents to monitor academic progress, attendance, homework and credits, keeping students on track for high school graduation

Costs – Not a Tax Rate Increase

If voters approve Props. 1 and 2, the average four-year tax rate for Tacoma schools is projected to decrease due to rising property values (from $2.72 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $2.63 per $1,000). The cost to the average Tacoma homeowner is projected to be about $13 more per month—$9.43 per month for Prop. 1 and $3.63 for Prop. 2.

If you would like to learn more about Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 on the Feb. 8 ballot, please visit tacomaschools.org/vote or call the TPS Public Information Office at 253-571-1015.

Pierce County will mail ballots on Jan. 21. If you are not already registered to vote, online registration is available at piercecountywa.gov/elections until Jan. 30.